U.S. Meat Production
1.6% Above A Year Ago

WASHINGTON —(USDA)— Total red meat production under federal inspection last week was estimated at 918.6 million pounds, was .8 percent less than a week earlier and 1.6 percent more than a year ago. Cumulative meat production for the year to date was up 2.4 percent at 36.9 billion pounds.

Cattle slaughter was estimated at 702,000 head compared to 711,000 a week earlier and 687,000 a year ago, liveweights 1216 pounds, 1215 and 1218, respectively. Cumulative cattle slaughter for the year was up 1.9 percent at 29,099,000 head. Cumulative beef production was up 2.7 percent at 21.3 billion pounds.

Calf and veal slaughter was estimated at 26,000 head, 28,000 and 27,000, liveweights 290 pounds, 284 and 290. Cumulative slaughter was down 11.6 percent at 1,022,000 head. Cumulative veal production was down 22 percent at 176.7 million pounds.

Hog slaughter was estimated at 2,076,000 head, 2,085,000 and 2,059,000, liveweights 258 pounds, 257 and 259. Cumulative slaughter was up 1.1 percent at 80,180,000 head. Cumulative pork production was up 2.3 percent at 15.2 billion pounds.

Sheep and lamb slaughter was estimated at 73,000 head, 69,000 and 75,000, liveweights 129 pounds, 129 and 129. Cumulative slaughter was down 4.5 percent at 2,831,000 head. Cumulative lamb and mutton production was down 4.5 percent at 187.2 million pounds.